Is Upgrading to Oceania Cruises Worth It for Casino Royale Players?

If you're used to the high-energy action of Royal Caribbean, you've probably wondered what life's like on a premium, adults-focused cruise line. Oceania Cruises is famous for its upscale vibe and incredible food, but it isn't fully all-inclusive like some ultra-luxury brands. Let's break down what's included in their fare and see how it compares to your hard-earned Casino Royale perks.

What's Included in the Oceania Fare

Unlike Royal Caribbean, where the extra charges can pile up quickly, Oceania bundles a lot of everyday luxuries into their base price. Here's what you don't have to pay extra for:

• All Specialty Dining: You won't pay a single cover charge for high-end specialty restaurants like Polo Grill or Red Ginger. They're all completely free.
• Basic & Specialty Drinks: Sodas, specialty coffees, teas, fresh juices, and still or sparkling Vero water are free throughout the ship. Your in-room mini-fridge is even restocked daily with free sodas.
• Gratuities & Wi-Fi: Tips are already covered, and you'll get two Wi-Fi logins per stateroom.
• Laundry & More: Self-service laundry is totally free, including the detergent. Plus, you'll get to choose between free wine and beer during lunch and dinner OR a shore excursion credit.

What This Means for Casino Royale Players

If you're a Prime, Signature, or Masters member in Royal Caribbean's Casino Royale, you're used to getting some serious love. Here's how Oceania stacks up for casino loyalists:

The Drink Package Math: On Royal, you've got to hit Prime to get free drinks in the casino, or shell out big bucks for the Deluxe Beverage Package. On Oceania, since all non-alcoholic drinks and specialty coffees are free everywhere, you won't need to worry about basic drink packages. If you choose the beer and wine option with your fare, you'll only need to pay out-of-pocket for cocktails outside of lunch and dinner.

Dining Value: Royal's casino comps sometimes include specialty dining vouchers, but on Oceania, you don't need status to eat like royalty. If you're a foodie who values gourmet dining over belly flop contests, Oceania's included dining is a massive upgrade that easily beats Royal's specialty upcharges.

The Casino Experience: Don't expect the massive, smoky, high-energy casino floors you're used to on Royal Caribbean. Oceania's casinos are much smaller and quieter. If your goal is to grind out thousands of points to earn your next free cruise certificate, you'll find it much harder to do here. Oceania isn't built around a high-volume casino loyalty loop.

The Takeaway

If you've got a stack of free play and comped cruise offers from Royal, it's hard to walk away from those savings. But if you're planning a relaxing, adult-only vacation where you don't want to be nickel-and-dimed for Wi-Fi, tips, and specialty dining, Oceania offers incredible value that might just be worth paying cash for.

Source: What’s Included on Oceania Cruises? Inclusions vs. Extra Costs